Abstract: A method of controlling a power system includes receiving a signal indicative of user interaction with a handle of a removable battery, and switching a power interface of the power system from a first power sourcing mode receiving power from the removable battery to a second power sourcing mode receiving power from a back-up battery. An electronic control unit for the power system includes a memory storing computer executable instructions for controlling power sourcing in the power control system, a detector interface configured to receive a signal indicative of user interaction with a removable battery of the mobile workstation and a microprocessor configured by way of executing the computer executable instructions to switch a power interface of the power control system from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode.

Abstract: A system for use in gathering and/or processing data in healthcare facilities includes a fleet of mobile workstations, a set of interchangeable batteries for the fleet of mobile workstations and a battery recharging system for the set of interchangeable batteries. The battery recharging system includes a common battery charger and a control device configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among the batteries at least in part by outputting a battery selection signal in response to comparing charging cycle counts for each of the batteries.

Abstract: A mobile workstation includes a control system having computer readable memory storing a power sourcing algorithm and a data processing algorithm, a power interface having a first input interface and a second input interface, and an output interface configured to supply power from either of the input interfaces to a plurality of computerized devices resident on the mobile workstation. A microprocessor is configured to execute the power sourcing algorithm to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode and further configured to execute the data processing algorithm to control a peripheral device of the mobile workstation in response to inputs received via a data interface. The control system is part of a power system resident on the mobile workstation and operable independently of a plurality of computerized devices also resident on the mobile workstation.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a housing having a plurality of docking stations coupled therewith. A control device is coupled with a battery charging interface of each of the plurality of docking stations, and is configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among a plurality of batteries configured to dock with the battery charging interfaces. A method of reducing variation in charging cycle count in a system of batteries includes receiving inputs associated with a charging cycle count for each of a plurality of interchangeable batteries docked with a common battery charger, and outputting a battery selection signal based at least in part on the inputs.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a dispenser mounted to a basin slidably supported in an outer body of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a main body portion, a reservoir formed in the main body portion for receiving detergent and a lid hingedly mounted for selectivity closing the reservoir. The reservoir includes front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls, with one of the front, rear and opposing side walls being provided with a drainage port which is adapted to be closed by the lid. The dispenser is provided with a manual actuator that enables a consumer to open the dispenser lid to add detergent. An automatic actuator is provided to open the dispenser lid, exposing the reservoir and the drainage port, at a predetermined point in a washing operation. In addition to detergent, the dispenser can be provided with a reservoir for retaining and releasing rinse aid.

Abstract: A power supply unit for a mobile computerized device includes a housing having a handle, a battery positioned within the housing, and a detector configured to detect user interaction with the handle. The power supply unit may comprise a removable power supply unit for a mobile computerized device, having a detector generating a signal in response to detecting user interaction with the handle.

Abstract: A power system for a mobile workstation includes a docking station for a removable battery, a power bus, and a power interface having an output interface electrically connected with the power bus. The power system further includes a detector configured to detect user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station, and a switching device coupled with the detector and configured to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode receiving power from a back-up battery, in response to detecting user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power system includes receiving a signal indicative of user interaction with a handle of a removable battery, and switching a power interface of the power system from a first power sourcing mode receiving power from the removable battery to a second power sourcing mode receiving power from a back-up battery. An electronic control unit for the power system includes a memory storing computer executable instructions for controlling power sourcing in the power control system, a detector interface configured to receive a signal indicative of user interaction with a removable battery of the mobile workstation and a microprocessor configured by way of executing the computer executable instructions to switch a power interface of the power control system from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile workstation includes a computer readable memory storing a power sourcing algorithm and a data processing algorithm. The control system further includes a power interface having a first input interface and a second input interface, and an output interface configured to supply power from either of the input interfaces to a plurality of computerized devices resident on the mobile workstation. A microprocessor is configured to execute the power sourcing algorithm to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode receiving power via the first input interface to a second power sourcing mode receiving power via the second input interface. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the data processing algorithm to control a peripheral device of the mobile workstation in response to inputs received via a data interface.

Abstract: A power system for a mobile workstation includes a docking station for a removable battery, a power bus, and a power interface having an output interface electrically connected with the power bus. The power system further includes a detector configured to detect user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station, and a switching device coupled with the detector and configured to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode receiving power from a back-up battery, in response to detecting user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a housing having a plurality of docking stations coupled therewith. A control device is coupled with a battery charging interface of each of the plurality of docking stations, and is configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among a plurality of batteries configured to dock with the battery charging interfaces. A method of reducing variation in charging cycle count in a system of batteries includes receiving inputs associated with a charging cycle count for each of a plurality of interchangeable batteries docked with a common battery charger, and outputting a battery selection signal based at least in part on the inputs.

Abstract: A system for use in gathering and/or processing data in healthcare facilities includes a fleet of mobile workstations, a set of interchangeable batteries for the fleet of mobile workstations and a battery recharging system for the set of interchangeable batteries. The battery recharging system includes a common battery charger and a control device configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among the batteries at least in part by outputting a battery selection signal in response to comparing charging cycle counts for each of the batteries.

Abstract: A power supply unit for a mobile computerized device includes a housing having a handle, a battery positioned within the housing, and a detector configured to detect user interaction with the handle. The power supply unit may comprise a removable power supply unit for a mobile computerized device, having a detector generating a signal in response to detecting user interaction with the handle.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dishwasher includes first and second washing units defining corresponding first and second washing tubs or chambers. The dishwasher also includes first and second control boards operatively associated with the first and second washing units respectively. Preferably, the first and second control boards are joined by a communication link that serves as a conduit for sharing data. The dishwasher further includes at least one ID designator that identifies one of the first and second washing units as a primary washing unit and the other of the first and second washing units as a secondary washing unit. The primary and secondary washing units share certain system resources during an overall washing operation, with the primary washing unit having preference over the secondary washing unit.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a dispenser mounted to a basin slidably supported in an outer body of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a main body portion, a reservoir formed in the main body portion for receiving detergent and a lid hingedly mounted for selectivity closing the reservoir. The reservoir includes front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls, with one of the front, rear and opposing side walls being provided with a drainage port which is adapted to be closed by the lid. The dispenser is provided with a manual actuator that enables a consumer to open the dispenser lid to add detergent. An automatic actuator is provided to open the dispenser lid, exposing the reservoir and the drainage port, at a predetermined point in a washing operation. In addition to detergent, the dispenser can be provided with a reservoir for retaining and releasing rinse aid.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dishwasher includes first and second washing units defining corresponding first and second washing tubs or chambers. The dishwasher also includes first and second control boards operatively associated with the first and second washing units respectively. Preferably, the first and second control boards are joined by a communication link that serves as a conduit for sharing data. The dishwasher further includes at least one ID designator that identifies one of the first and second washing units as a primary washing unit and the other of the first and second washing units as a secondary washing unit. The primary and secondary washing units share certain system resources during an overall washing operation, with the primary washing unit having preference over the secondary washing unit.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.

Abstract: For communicating over optical routes, route monitoring and protection are provided. In routes carrying signals on each of a number of wave lengths a tapped fraction of the signal is demultiplexed and an individual wave length is detected for determining performance and for triggering switching to alternative monitored routes carrying the same signal. Switching of all wave lengths if one shows faulty, with either a single wave length or all wave lengths being monitored is shown. Performance of a long wave length component is employed to determine route quality for shorter wave lengths as well. In bi-directional communication systems, performance of a wave length moving in one direction through a route determines route quality for transmission in the other direction, as well. Progressive sampling and digitization of the tapped signal and comparison to a digitized reference enables high sensitivity of monitoring.